When winter rolls around, many people pack up their gardens and forget about their barbecue grills until spring. But what do you do if your grill has seen better days and you need to get rid of it? Disposing of an old grill can be a bit tricky, as it involves hazardous waste and proper recycling techniques.
If you have a gas grill, your first concern should be the propane tank. Propane tanks are considered hazardous waste and are not allowed in landfills in some states. Many local communities also have regulations regarding their disposal. The best way to handle an empty propane tank is to return it to the dealer where you obtained the gas for recycling. If they don’t accept them, they can advise you on local laws and disposal options. For very old grills, you may need to deliver the tank to the local fire department for safe handling.
Once you’ve taken care of the propane tank, disposing of the rest of the grill can be a bit easier. Some communities allow you to throw the grill away as trash, but this is not environmentally friendly. If you live in a recycling-friendly community, you may be able to drop off or have your grill picked up on recycling day for free. However, most communities charge fees for breaking down the grill into recyclable parts. Contact your local solid waste authority or use Earth911’s Recycling Search to find a recycler near you.
In many places, you may need to break down the grill yourself in order to recycle it. Barbecue grills often contain electrical components that require special handling, such as ignition wires, thermometers, electric controllers, and batteries. Plastic side shelves and wheels may be recyclable if your community accepts plastics, but other plastic components like knobs and handles are typically garbage. Metal parts like gas valves, casters, grill lids, shelves, and the grill body can usually be recycled as scrap metal, even if they are rusted.
Disassembling a grill for recycling can be a daunting task, but it can build mindfulness about the resources that go into common household items. This effort can also make you think twice about replacing an item that still has life in it. By following local disposal laws and recycling guidelines, you can ensure that your old grill is properly disposed of and recycled in an environmentally responsible way.
